We are quickly approaching the biggest tournament of the NJPW calendar with the G1 Climax. This grueling round robin tournament takes 18 of NJPW’s best, puts them into two blocks and by the end we truly know who is worthy of holding up that trophy. However, this year might see a more unique field than usual, as there could be some major absences in Jay White or even Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Jay White Is Set To Work NJPW Strong Tapings In September
One name that is all but confirmed to not be in the mix is the current NEVER Openweight Champion, Jay White. He has been confirmed instead for NJPW Strong: Autumn Attack, which is going to be a major set of tapings taking place in Philadelphia. This alongside the tapings in Philadelphia in October will finally get NJPW Strong in front of an audience, which could make up for Jay White missing the G1 Climax.
There is a major conflict of dates here, as the September tapings take place over September 25th & 26th, which puts it right between two nights of G1 Climax action. This means that regardless of the block that White would be in, he would miss action. Even in better times when travel was easier, White would have to be in the B-Block, leave Japan early after the show on September 24th, work the tapings, and be back for the 29th. Add in COVID-19 related travel issues, and it’s near impossible to pull this off.
Other Names Potentially Out Of The Mix
Another few names are also out for similar reasons. Juice Robinson & David Finlay are set for these events, with Juice having been a consistent name in past G1 tournaments. Tomohiro Ishii & Hiroshi Tananahshi are headed to America for NJPW Resugrence, and Tanahashi has confirmed that he will be finally wrestling on NJPW Strong. Tanahashi has done commentary for Strong since the start, doing it remotely from Japan, and will now step into the ring.
There is a small chance that Tanahashi & Ishii could end up missing the tournament as well, but nothing as sure as White, Finlay, and Juice. We already have open slots in the tournament with Yujiro Takahashi likely out, Will Ospreay injured, and Kota Ibushi still not cleared. Who do you hope to see fill these spots in the 2021 G1 Climax? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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